Course Outline

Week 1
Module 1: Introduction to the Science of Human Motion

•  The science of human movement: kinesiology, biomechanics, kinematics.
•  Motor skills.
•  Types of analysis and why we analyze motion.

Week 2 and 3
Module 2: The Anatomy and Physiology of Human Movement

•  Anatomical terminology, directional terminology.
•  The musculoskeletal system.
•  Skeletal anatomy, articulations.
•  Upper extremity.
•  Lower extremity.
•  Neuromuscular basis for motion.
•  Spine and thorax.

Week 4
Module 3: Basic Principles of Biomechanics I

•  Terminology.
•  Things we measure and how we report it.
•  What is a vector and what do I do with it?

Week 5
Module 4: Basic Principles of Biomechanics II

•  Linear motion.
•  Newton’s laws.
•  Forces that affect motion.
•  What is a free body diagram?

Week 6
Module 5: Basic Principles of Biomechanics III

•  Angular (rotary) motion.
•  Terminology of angular motion.
•  Newton’s laws in rotational movement.
•  Centripetal and centrifugal forces.

Week 7
Module 6: Stability and Equilibrium

•  Center of gravity.
•  Stable versus unstable.
•  Bases of support.

Week 8
Module 7: Standing Posture

•  Support.
•  Principles and factors relating to posture.
•  Analysis of posture.

Week 9 and 10
Module 8: Locomotion

•  Movement on a solid surface.
•  Movement in a liquid medium.
•  Movement when suspended or without support.

Week 11
Module 9: Objects Put into Motion

•  Principles of throwing, kicking and striking.
•  Transition of force to an object.

Week 12 - Final Project
Module 10: Analysis of Motion

•  Identifying the components of a motion analysis.
•  Qualitative versus quantitative analysis.
•  Digitizing movement – what do we analyze and how?
•  Developing and writing a motion analysis.